The Ultimate History of New Super Mario Bros. Wii World Records: A Speedrunner's Deep Dive

Hey everyone, and welcome back to GamingSpeedrun! If you're anything like me, the sheer thrill of shaving milliseconds off a perfect run, mastering complex glitches, or executing flawless strats gets your blood pumping. Today, we're diving deep into a game that’s a staple for many speedrunners and a nostalgic trip for countless others: *New Super Mario Bros. Wii*. We're not just looking at *a* world record; we're dissecting the entire *history* of world records for this iconic title. Get ready for a comprehensive look at the evolution of the fastest times, the game-changing discoveries, and the runners who’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.

Unleashing the Power of the Wii: Early Days of NSMB Wii Speedrunning

When *New Super Mario Bros. Wii* first hit the shelves in 2009, the speedrunning community was already buzzing. While the game might seem straightforward on the surface, it’s packed with hidden depths that veteran players and new enthusiasts alike could exploit. The initial runs were, as expected, more about simply reaching the end credits as fast as possible, often without deep knowledge of every pixel-perfect trick. Early competitors focused on mastering basic movement, understanding level layouts, and executing them with consistency. This foundational period was crucial; it laid the groundwork for the more sophisticated strategies that would emerge later. Many runners at this stage were likely familiar with the original *Super Mario Bros.* and *Super Mario Bros. 3*, applying general platforming knowledge. The appeal of *New Super Mario Bros. Wii* for speedrunning lies in its robust physics, multiple paths through levels, and the sheer number of collectibles that can be ignored or grabbed in a specific order to save precious seconds. The introduction of multiplayer, while not typically used for WR attempts in Any% categories, did spark a different kind of community competition, fostering an environment where sharing techniques was more common. This collaborative spirit was a huge boon for the emerging speedrunning scene.

The Evolving Categories: Any% vs. 100%

Like most games in the speedrunning world, *New Super Mario Bros. Wii* isn't confined to a single way to play fast. The two most prominent categories are Any% and 100%. * **Any%**: This is the most popular category, focusing purely on reaching the end credits as quickly as possible, regardless of what's collected or how many levels are completed. In NSMB Wii, this typically involves a series of skips and optimized routes that bypass large sections of the game. The strategy here is all about efficiency – if it doesn't directly contribute to finishing the game faster, it's cut. * **100%**: This category demands a perfect playthrough, meaning collecting all Star Coins in every level and defeating the final boss. This requires a vastly different approach, focusing on precision, route optimization that includes coin collection, and often slower, more deliberate movements to ensure no coin is missed. The time difference between an Any% and a 100% run can be substantial, showcasing the dedication and meticulous planning required for the latter. The evolution of world records in both these categories has been fascinating. Initially, Any% records were relatively slow, dominated by players learning the game’s mechanics. As the community grew and more runners dedicated themselves to optimizing, these times began to plummet. The 100% category, while slower overall, saw its own strategic shifts, with runners finding new ways to collect items faster and minimize downtime between objectives.
The pursuit of a world record isn't just about raw speed; it's about understanding the game at a level most players never will. Every jump, every coin, every enemy placement is analyzed.

Game-Breaking Discoveries: Glitches and Skips That Rewrote the Books

The true heart of many speedrunning categories, especially Any%, lies in the discovery and exploitation of glitches and skips. *New Super Mario Bros. Wii* is no exception. Over the years, runners have uncovered a multitude of techniques that dramatically shorten the game's playtime. One of the most impactful discoveries was the **"Wall Clip"** or **"Out of Bounds" (OOB)** glitch. This allows players to pass through certain walls or floors that are seemingly solid, enabling them to bypass entire sections of levels. Mastering these clips requires precise positioning and timing, often involving specific jumps or spin jumps. The learning curve for these can be steep, but the time saved is immense. Another significant strategy involves **"Super Jump" or "Spin Jump Cancel" techniques**. By perfectly timing a spin jump, players can maintain momentum or even gain height in ways not intended by the developers. These advanced movement techs are crucial for hitting specific platforms or clearing gaps that would otherwise require longer routes.
The discovery of these glitches often comes through dedicated practice, experimentation, and collaboration within the community. A runner might spend hours trying to break the game in a new way, or a slight anomaly noticed during a regular run could be the seed for a groundbreaking strat. Resources like the official New Super Mario Bros. Wii leaderboard on Speedrun.com are invaluable for tracking these discoveries and seeing how they've impacted the world record progression.
Discovering a new skip is like finding the ultimate cheat code that’s actually allowed. It changes everything.
The ongoing search for new glitches and optimizations is what keeps a speedrunning community alive and thriving. Even in a game as old as *New Super Mario Bros. Wii*, there's always potential for discovery.

Legends of the Mushroom Kingdom: Key Runners and Their Contributions

The history of *New Super Mario Bros. Wii* world records is a tapestry woven with the efforts of dedicated runners. While it's impossible to name everyone who has contributed, certain names stand out for their significant achievements and impact on the meta. Early pioneers were instrumental in establishing initial benchmarks and discovering fundamental strats. As the game matured in the speedrunning scene, runners like **Bikdiponza** and **Suigi** were prominent figures, consistently pushing the boundaries and setting new world records in the Any% category. Their runs often showcased incredibly tight execution and a deep understanding of the game's engine. The rivalry and competition between top runners often drive innovation. When one runner achieves a new PB (Personal Best) or WR (World Record), it motivates others to find even faster strats or improve their execution. This constant push and pull is what makes following the speedrun history so exciting. It’s also important to acknowledge the community contributors who might not always hold the WR but are crucial for research, tutorial creation, and sharing knowledge. Many runners dedicate time to documenting strats and creating guides, which are invaluable resources for anyone looking to improve. The resources provided by runners like **SummoningSalt** (though he primarily focuses on longer historical documentaries, his content often highlights key moments and runners) have brought the history of many games, including Mario titles, to a wider audience. His detailed approach, as seen in his numerous historical videos, often includes music lists and credits, which we've also strived to incorporate here.
The dedication of these runners is astounding. They treat each frame like a precious commodity, optimizing every single movement.
To keep up with the latest advancements and see who's currently dominating, checking the NSMB Wii leaderboard is essential. It’s where you’ll find the current heroes of this particular speedrunning saga.

The Modern Landscape: What's Hot in NSMB Wii Speedrunning Today?

As of recent times, the world records for *New Super Mario Bros. Wii* have reached incredibly optimized levels. The Any% category, for instance, has seen times fall to just over the 8-minute mark, a testament to years of refinement in routing and execution. This often involves near-perfect execution of complex out-of-bounds tricks and precise jump timings. The 100% category also continues to be fiercely contested, with times hovering around the mid-20-minute range. These runs demand a different kind of mastery, focusing on seamless transitions between levels, efficient Star Coin collection, and flawless boss fights. The community remains active, with dedicated players constantly practicing and striving for improvement. While major breakthroughs in terms of game-breaking glitches might be less frequent now, the focus shifts to incremental optimizations. This could mean finding frame-perfect inputs, slightly faster ways to navigate menus, or micro-adjustments in movement that save fractions of a second over the course of a run. For those looking to get into speedrunning *New Super Mario Bros. Wii*, the resources are plentiful. Watching top runners, studying tutorials, and practicing consistently are key. The game is still accessible on original hardware and potentially through emulation, making it a viable choice for aspiring speedrunners looking to make their mark on a classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Any% world record for New Super Mario Bros. Wii?

The Any% world record is incredibly competitive and constantly changing. As of my last update, top runs are pushing towards the 8-minute mark. For the absolute latest time, always check the official leaderboard on Speedrun.com.

Are there any major glitches used in New Super Mario Bros. Wii speedruns?

Yes, absolutely. Major glitches like 'Out of Bounds' (OOB) or 'Wall Clips' are essential for bypassing large portions of the game in Any% runs. Advanced movement techniques like specific spin jump cancels are also crucial.

Is New Super Mario Bros. Wii a good game for beginners to speedrun?

It can be! While the advanced strats and glitches require significant practice, the basic mechanics are familiar to many players. It's a good entry point if you enjoy platforming and are willing to learn.

How do I find out about new strategies or WR changes?

The best place to stay updated is the official New Super Mario Bros. Wii leaderboard on Speedrun.com. Many runners also stream their practice sessions and race attempts on platforms like Twitch, and there are often dedicated Discord servers for the game's speedrunning community.

In conclusion, the history of *New Super Mario Bros. Wii* world records is a testament to the creativity, dedication, and sheer persistence of the speedrunning community. From its early days of discovery to the hyper-optimized runs of today, this game continues to captivate players who seek the ultimate challenge in mastering its digital landscapes at impossible speeds. Whether you're a seasoned runner aiming for the top spot or a curious newcomer, there's always something to learn and appreciate about the evolution of these incredible feats. What are your favorite moments in NSMB Wii speedrunning history? Did you ever attempt to get a good time yourself? Share your thoughts, experiences, and any strat discoveries you've made in the comments below! And if you’re serious about pushing your limits, consider joining our GamingSpeedrun Discord community – it’s the perfect place to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share tips, and maybe even find your next PB. Keep running fast!